“The City of Lawrence Mayor’s Health Task Force and its partners are bringing together these well-known community events, and adding more fitness activities and games for one, great outdoor festival,” said Vilma Lora, Co-Director of Women’s Services at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence and Coordinator of the Mayor’s Health Task Force. “There’s something for everyone.”

The S.A.L.S.A. effort is part a multi-year commitment of the city’s Healthy Active Living Resolution. Among projects being considered or are underway, are improvements to parks and other common areas, workplace wellness programs, the Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets, improved fresh produce and food offerings at local corner stores/bodegas, and more information and demonstrations on healthy eating citywide.

“Nearly 45 percent of children and about 69 percent of adults are overweight or obese creating greater risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and low self-esteem,” said Heather McMann, Executive Director at Groundwork Lawrence. “S.A.L.S.A. is just one way we are trying to help people focus on their physical fitness, their eating, and overall health for themselves and their families.”